jimihaha

I recently installed a Curt Receiver Hitch and Curt Wiring Harness specifically made for the 2014 Acura MDX.

The Receiver Hitch was an easy install. The only hard part was torquing the bolts to 139 lbs ft (accdg to Curt). Acura OEM only recommends 70 lbs ft of torque.

I was able to run the Curt Wiring Harness where the OEM Wiring usually goes. I just purchased a plastic tubing to protect the wires under the car.

Overall, it was a pretty easy install. I will post pictures when I get a chance.

By the way, after the receiver install, I noticed a bit of a change on the way my MDX handles. The rear end seems to be stiffer (which is normal with a receiver hitch installed) but I felt that it is now a bit heavier. The Receiver Hitch is only 45 lbs though, so it should not make any difference. But I feel it when driving. My MDX now feels more stable and planted. And I see that the rear wheels of the SH-AWD (via the MID) is more active when accelerating and turning.

For the owners who have driven their MDX with and without the Receiver Hitch (OEM or Aftermarket), did you also notice this small difference in handling?

integroid

I didn't on mine but I installed the OEM hitch vs aftermarket. To be fair though, I installed the hitch the 3rd day I had the car and I had only driven it maybe 50 miles. I did notice the weight difference though....I dont know if it is only mental though.

jimihaha

It's probably mental... because when I have passengers (without the hitch), I don't feel their weight on my car. It is still handles the same.

Is it because the receiver hitch stiffened the rear end and that changed the way my MDX handles?

integroid

Yeah, that would make sense to me. You are essentially putting a really stiff bar between the two rear frame rails. That alone should make the rear end stiffer and make the car want to oversteer a little more.

ESteid

Did you buy from ETrailer.com?

I assume you got the 4 pin wiring?

jimihaha

yes, I got both from Etrailer. Saved me around $300 against OEM.

I have the 4 pin wiring, I just bought a bracket at amazon for $2 and attached it right beside the hitch. It looks ok, not as good as the 7 pin OEM but I really don't care about the looks.

ESteid

Nice, thanks. I agree that the $300 saved is better than the factory trim plate.

I do wish to figure out how the factory kit utilizes the internal wiring for the trailer brakes.

jimihaha

There is a video of an install of the factory hitch and wire harness for the 2014 MDX on youtube. I hope that helps.

integroid

I paid $300 shipped for my OEM trailer hitch? When I checked on Etrailer it was $200 shipped for the Hidden Hitch. The extra $100 was worth the trim plate with OEM look and having the hitch higher up for me. I could care less about the wiring harness since the only thing I will use it for is a hitch mounted bike rack.

jimihaha

That's a nice deal. I got mine for $136 via Amazon (Etrailer was the seller) plus $33 for the wiring harness... I agree that the OEM looks way better.

By the way, did you notice any change in handling when you installed your hitch?

ESteid

What seller? Sounds like a great deal.

integroid

It was bernardi parts during there black Friday free shipping sale.

Recipe7

What did you do to cover the hole where the wire harness would go? Or did you?